Bittersweetest goodbyes.
This weekend, I said goodbye to two of my favorite people. They were bittersweet goodbyes because I am absolutely thrilled for them as they move on to this next stage in their lives; but I am feeling pretty devastated that they're leaving--all for selfish reasons, of course.
Reason 1: They are awesome. We all met during a student internship program when we were somewhere around 16 or 17 years old. We experienced the same culture, traveled together, explored new cities, and met some crazy people. We laugh at the same jokes, can make borderline offensive statements without getting judged by the other ones, and geek out about a lot of the same things.
Reason 2: We share a faith. We have a lot of the same questions and doubts. We are disillusioned with a lot of what we see of the Christian response to issues in the world around us. We struggle at times to reconcile our decisions with our faith. We wonder over a glass of beer, what exactly would Jesus do?
Reason 3: Memories. Memories won't leave just because they're relocating to new and exotic locations. But we can't meet for a latte and say, "Oh my gosh. Remember that time in Boston...(or Michigan...or South Carolina)?"
Reason 4: We each have our own style. (Like the Spice Girls?) Do you realize how nice it is to belong in a group where you're still able to be 100% yourself in thought, word, deed and fashion?
Reason 5: I can talk like a crazy person and they don't think I'm crazy. (At least I don't think they think that I'm crazy...)
Reason 6: Three words. Matt. Foley. Skit. (How was I always the mom?)
Reason 1: They are awesome. We all met during a student internship program when we were somewhere around 16 or 17 years old. We experienced the same culture, traveled together, explored new cities, and met some crazy people. We laugh at the same jokes, can make borderline offensive statements without getting judged by the other ones, and geek out about a lot of the same things.
Reason 2: We share a faith. We have a lot of the same questions and doubts. We are disillusioned with a lot of what we see of the Christian response to issues in the world around us. We struggle at times to reconcile our decisions with our faith. We wonder over a glass of beer, what exactly would Jesus do?
Reason 3: Memories. Memories won't leave just because they're relocating to new and exotic locations. But we can't meet for a latte and say, "Oh my gosh. Remember that time in Boston...(or Michigan...or South Carolina)?"
Reason 4: We each have our own style. (Like the Spice Girls?) Do you realize how nice it is to belong in a group where you're still able to be 100% yourself in thought, word, deed and fashion?
Reason 5: I can talk like a crazy person and they don't think I'm crazy. (At least I don't think they think that I'm crazy...)
Reason 6: Three words. Matt. Foley. Skit. (How was I always the mom?)
Reason 7: You're off on to new and exciting adventures and I'm not. (Cue pity party.)
For these reasons and many more, it's the bittersweetest of goodbyes. However, on the flip side, I've got a fantastic location to crash nowadays in Chicago; and a built-in tour guide for my Eurotrip when it finally comes to fruition.
Still ladies, I'll miss you for your laughter, your friendship, your honesty, your odd euphemisms, your Newcastle drinking, Irish coffee lovingness, your questions, your answers, your authenticity, and the fact that you say "Thank you for sharing that." I'll miss the fact that no matter how many months we go without seeing each other, we can always come together and pick up where we left off. Because even though technology is making the world a smaller place, it still won't be the same. Know that I'll carry you in my thoughts and in my heart, and when a stranger catches me giggling as I reminisce, I'll know you're laughing at me somewhere too. Reunion planning commences now, so prepare your couches and warn your new friends: I'll be dropping by someday soon!
For these reasons and many more, it's the bittersweetest of goodbyes. However, on the flip side, I've got a fantastic location to crash nowadays in Chicago; and a built-in tour guide for my Eurotrip when it finally comes to fruition.
Still ladies, I'll miss you for your laughter, your friendship, your honesty, your odd euphemisms, your Newcastle drinking, Irish coffee lovingness, your questions, your answers, your authenticity, and the fact that you say "Thank you for sharing that." I'll miss the fact that no matter how many months we go without seeing each other, we can always come together and pick up where we left off. Because even though technology is making the world a smaller place, it still won't be the same. Know that I'll carry you in my thoughts and in my heart, and when a stranger catches me giggling as I reminisce, I'll know you're laughing at me somewhere too. Reunion planning commences now, so prepare your couches and warn your new friends: I'll be dropping by someday soon!
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